Origin and Evolution of Life Activity

Introduction
A virtual tour is a way to inform someone of the facts and details about a location or object that
would otherwise be inaccessible. Virtual tours can be brochures, web sites, presentations, or
just about anything else you can think of to introduce someone to all aspects of a topic. To get a
better idea of the kind of product you can create for this activity, explore “virtual tours” in a
search online.
Procedures:
1. Use the fossil reference chart in the lesson to select an index fossil.

(Do not select paradoxides pinus; this index fossil was selected for the student
example provided in the lesson.)

2. Research the following details about your index fossil:

 list its physical characteristics

 describe any known or theorized behavioral characteristics

 identify the period of time in which it first appears

 describe its biological evolution and phylogeny

 describe location/s where this index fossil has been found

 describe any related organisms alive today and their similarities to your index
fossil

 describe any common ancestors and their similarities to your index fossil

 at least three images (index fossil, related organisms, or common ancestors)

3. Create a tour of your index fossil. You can choose to present the information as a slide
show, brochure, web site, picture book, or any other creative format of your choice.
Consult your instructor for other ideas.

4. Include a minimum of six discussion points, or “stops,” on your tour.

5. Cite your references for the information used in the tour.

6. Write a summary paragraph to answer the reflection questions at the end of your tour.

Reflection Questions
1. Explain how biological evolution is supported by the fossil record.
2. Why is natural selection a mechanism for biological change?

3. How does chemical evolution explain the origin of life on Earth?

4. Explain why scientific theories, such as biological and chemical evolution, represent the
strongest explanation of the changes observed in the fossil record.

5. How can scientific theories on evolution and the fossil record change over time?